The Atlanta Hawks had an opening on their 18-man roster for over a week. However, the Hawks filled that spot earlier this evening with the inking of Christian Koloko to a two-way deal, per Lauren L. Williams of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
“Per league source, the Hawks are signing Christian Koloko to a two-way, Williams tweeted. “Koloko last played for the Grizzlies this season.”
Hawks Add Depth To Frontcourt With Latest Signing: What Does It Mean Going Forward?
Koloko returned to play for the G-League Austin Spurs after his two 10-day deals with Memphis. The 25-year-old was highly inefficient in his stint with the Grizzlies. He averaged just 2.6 points on 3.2 shots while connecting on just 40% of his field goal attempts. He also grabbed 4.0 rebounds and swatted away 1.2 shots in 17 minutes across 13 contests.
Koloko also didn’t score or grab double-digit rebounds. But he did record at least one block in eight of 13 appearances. Before joining the Grizzlies, the 6-11 center was with the Lakers to start the season and saw six minutes in two contests. He has appeared in 108 career NBA games.
Koloko fills Atlanta’s last two-way spot, which was open after the Hawks waived Malik Williams. Williams signed a minor league deal with the Hawks on December 23, but was waived before even playing in a game for the Hawks on January 7. Caleb Houstan, who has appeared in nine games this year for the Hawks, and RayJ Dennis are the other two players on a two-way deal. Dennis has yet to play in a game for the Hawks, as he signed just before the New Year.
What Will Christian Koloko Bring to the Hawks And Role?
Koloko is an athletic big man who can influence games on defense. Koloko, a natural rim protector, can alter shots without blocking them by getting vertical and not fouling. He moves well and is comfortable defending in drop coverage and short switches. Meanwhile, he can also recover quickly after hedging or on ball screens.
Offensively, Koloko is extremely limited. He gets the majority of his points running the rim, dump-offs, and alley-oops.
Atlanta needed to add depth to its frontcourt. Particularly, since the Hawks plan to keep N’faly Dante on the roster despite him being out for the remainder of the season following ACL surgery. Since waiving Williams, the Hawks have been shorthanded by two players. Don’t be surprised if the Hawks make a trade for a veteran big man by the trade deadline.
With Kristaps Porzingis having already missed more games (25) than he has played (17), the Hawks have had to rely on Onyeka Okongwu and Jalen Johnson to handle the post games. Johnson, who is best suited to play the three, and Okongwu are having career seasons.
Mouhamed Guye, who is not much of an offensive threat, has served as the Hawks’ primary backup at the four and five when Porzingis has sat out. Rookie Asa Newell is the Hawks’ fifth big, though recently acquired Corey Kispert can also play a little bit of the four.
Atlanta sits in ninth place with a 20-23 record, having lost their last two games. The Hawks host Boston on Saturday and will be without Zaccharie Risacher and Porzingis. Porzingis is day-to-day with a knee injury, while Risacher will miss his fifth straight game with a left knee injury.
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